Tara Veldman (2025)

Tara Veldman has been recognised with the AHDC Gold Medal for her outstanding and enduring contribution to healthcare design.

The judging panel noted:

“Tara has made an invaluable and lasting contribution to healthcare design through her visionary leadership, compassion, and commitment to excellence. Her leadership on major projects in Australia has set new benchmarks for care. While her influence is strongest at the facility level, she also contributes as a thought leader and mentor, sharing knowledge and inspiring emerging designers, thereby shaping the future of healthcare design through both practice and professional development.”

With over 20 years in the field, Tara has redefined healthcare design through an approach that unites evidence, empathy, and collaboration. Her work brings together architects, clinicians, researchers, and patients to create environments that genuinely support healing and wellbeing.

Her leadership has guided many transformative projects, including Campbelltown Hospital — where the integration of mental health and mainstream services was pioneered through nature-connected and culturally grounded design — and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Stage 2, which embodies biophilic principles and child-centred care.

Beyond project delivery, Tara’s influence extends globally. She contributes to international conferences, academic research, and design policy, advancing evidence-based practice and elevating the role of design in health outcomes.

As one of the few female CEOs in the industry, she is a committed advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mentorship. Representing Australia at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, she continues to champion leadership pathways for women in design and construction.

Tara’s vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to people continue to elevate healthcare design — inspiring excellence and setting a benchmark for the future of the profession.